Programming Procedure For Blank ECMS (NTB12-091A)

Blank ECM Programming Procedure (summary)

Below is a summary of the steps for Blank ECM programming. For details, go to page 3.

For vehicles where the ECM can be accessed (ECM P/N can be read) with C-III plus: 

1. Connect and launch C-III plus:
   • From the C-III plus home page, Select Re/Programming, Configuration  .
   • Proceed to Re/programming.
   • Select Programming  (not reprogramming).
2. Select Before ECM Replacement  .
3. Save the current ECM P/N and VIN.
4. Replace the ECM with the new Blank ECM.
5. Select Programming  .
6. Select After ECM Replacement  .
7. Select Program ECM  .
8. Once programming has completed, perform Throttle Valve Closed Position, Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL), Accelerator Closed Position, and DTC erase.
9. Verify the VIN is registered.
10. Close C-III plus.

For vehicles where the old/current ECM cannot be accessed (ECM P/N cannot be read) with C-III plus: 

1. Obtain the ECM software P/N by using the VIN in the electronic parts catalog. When using the VIN, the parts catalog will display both the Blank ECM part number and the part number for the software program.
2. Install the replacement Blank ECM in the vehicle.
3. Connect C-III plus, and then get to the screen that shows the selection Programming and select Programming  .
4. Select After ECM Replacement  .
5. Type in the VIN.
6. Select the P/N from the list that matches the one taken from the parts catalog.
   • Double-check and make sure  the correct P/N has been selected.
   • Confirm that the description matches the vehicle's system applications i.e. ABS, CVT, ASCD, etc.
7. Select Program ECM  .
8. Once programming has completed, perform Throttle Valve Closed Position, Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL), Accelerator Closed Position, and DTC erase.
9. Verify the VIN is registered.
10. Close C-III plus.

Blank ECM Programming Procedure (details)

Can the old/current ECM (the one that will be replaced) be accessed with C-III plus? 

YES  - go to Program Blank ECM (When ECM is Accessible With C-III plus)  on the next page  .

If the vehicle's old/current ECM can be accessed with C-III plus, its current internal Part Number (P/N) and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be saved and then applied to the Blank ECM.

NO  - go to  39Program Blank ECM (When ECM is not Accessible With C-III plus)  .

If the vehicle's old/current ECM cannot  be accessed with C-III plus, the software program P/N to be programmed into the Blank ECM will need to be determined by entering the VIN into the Electronic Parts Catalog (FAST or equivalent). When using the VIN, the parts catalog will display both the Blank ECM part number and the part number for the software program.

PROGRAM BLANK ECM (When ECM is Accessible With C-III plus) 

• A screen print for Warranty documentation can be done from the CONSULT PC during this process while still connected to the vehicle.
• If possible,  take the vehicle for a 10 minute drive in order to meet the following conditions:
  • Engine coolant temperature: 70 - 100°C (158 - 212°F)
  • Battery voltage: More than 12.9V (At idle)
  • Transmission: Warmed up
    NOTE:

    • After programming is complete, you will be required to perform Throttle Valve Closed Position, Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL), Accelerator Closed Position, and DTC erase. The above conditions are required for the IAVL to complete.

1. Connect the C-III plus Vehicle Interface (plus VI) to the vehicle.
   • Make sure to use the correct VI for C-III plus (plus VI).
     CAUTION: Make  sure the plus VI is securly connected to the DLC. If the plus VI connection is loose during programming, the process will be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged  .
2. Connect the AC Adapter to the CONSULT PC. 
   CAUTION: Be sure to connect the AC Adapter. If the CONSULT PC battery voltage drops during programming, the process will be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged.
3. Connect a battery charger to the vehicle battery: 
   • Set the battery charger at a low charge rate.
   NOTE: The GR-8 (Battery and Electrical Diagnostic Station) set to "Power Supply" mode is recommended.
   CAUTION: Be sure the battery charger is connected securely to the battery. Make sure the battery voltage stays between 12.0V and 15.5V  during programming. If the battery voltage goes out of this range during programming, the ECM may be damaged  .
4. Turn off all external Bluetooth(r) devices (e.g., cell phones, printers, etc.) within range of the CONSULT PC and the VI.
   CAUTION: Make sure to turn off all external Bluetooth(r) devices. If Bluetooth(r) signal waves are within range of the CONSULT PC and the plus VI during programming, programming may be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged. 
5. Turn the ignition ON (engine OFF/Not Ready).
   • The engine must not start or run during the reprogramming procedure. 
6. Turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads such as exterior lights, interior lights, HVAC, blower, rear defogger, audio, NAVI, seat heater, steering wheel heater, etc.
   IMPORTANT: Make sure to turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads. Make sure the battery voltage stays between 12.0V and 15.5V  during programming. If the battery voltage goes out of this range during programming, the ECM may be damaged. 
7. Open/start C-III plus.
   • You will be accessing the old/current ECM.
8. Wait for the plus VI to be recognized.
   • The serial number will display when the plus VI is recognized.
9. Select Re/programming, Configuration  .
10. Use arrows (if needed) to view and read all precautions.
11. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
12. Select Next  .
13. Select Nissan, Vehicle Name  , and then the correct Model Year  .
    • If the screen in Figure 4 does not display, skip to step 14.
14. Make sure VIN or Chassis #  matches the vehicle's VIN.
15. If the correct VIN is displayed, select Confirm  .
16. Select Confirm  .
17. Select ENGINE  .
    NOTE: If the old/current ECM cannot  be accessed with C-III plus, go to  39Program Blank ECM (When ECM is not Accessible With C-III plus). 
18. Select Programming.  (Do not  select Reprogramming.)
19. Select Before Replace ECU  .
20. Select Save  .
21. Select Next  .
22. Make sure the VIN in the Saved Data List  (Figure 12) matches the vehicle's VIN.
    • If the VIN is not  correct, select Delete and then start over from the C-III plus Home screen.
23. If the VIN is correct, select Confirm  .
    • This step will save the vehicle's existing ECM information.
24. After Confirm  is selected in step 23, the screen in Figure 13 will display.
25. Replace the ECM now: 
    • Leave C-III plus turned ON (it should continue to display the screen in Figure 13 while replacing the ECM).
    • Make sure the CONSULT PC A/C power supply is connected.
    • Turn the ignition OFF.
    • Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for ECM replacement information.
26. After the ECM has been replaced (Blank ECM is now installed).
    1. Turn the ignition ON (engine OFF/Not Ready).
       • The engine must not start during the programming procedure. 
    2. Make sure the GR8/battery charger is connected.
27. Select Programming  .
28. Select After Replace ECU  .
29. Use arrows to view and read all precautions.
30. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
31. Select Next  .
32. Make sure OK  is highlighted green (battery voltage must be between 12.0 and 15.5 Volts)  .
33. Select Next  .
    IMPORTANT: Battery voltage must stay between 12.0 and 15.5 Volts  during programming or ECM programming may be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged  .
    NOTE: In the next step, the programming process will begin when Start is selected.
    CAUTION: DO NOT stop programming after selecting Start  , doing so may damage the ECM. Allow programming to complete.
34. Select Start  .
35. Wait for both progress bars to complete.
36. When the screen in Figure 20 displays, programming is complete.
    NOTE: If the screen in Figure 20 does not  display (programming does not complete), refer to the information on the next page.
37. Disconnect the GR8/battery charger from the vehicle.
38. Select Next  .
39. Go to After Programming has Completed  ( 30) below.
    NOTE: Additional steps/operations are required before C-III plus will provide the final programming confirmation report. Go to After Programming has Completed  ( 30) below.

    If programming does not complete and the "!?" symbol displays as shown in Figure 21: 

    • Check battery voltage (12.0 - 15.5V).
    • The ignition is ON and the engine is OFF.
    • External Bluetooth(r) devices are OFF.
    • All electrical loads are OFF.
    • Select Retry and follow the on screen instructions  .
      NOTE: Retry may not go through on the first attempt. It can be selected more than once.

    If programming does not complete and the "X" symbol displays as shown in Figure 22: 

    • Do not disconnect the plus VI or shut down C-III plus if reprogramming does not complete. 
    • Check battery voltage (12.0 - 15.5V).
    • The CONSULT A/C adapter is plugged in.
    • The ignition is ON and the engine is OFF.
    • The transmission is in Park.
    • All C-III plus/plus VI cables are securely connected.
    • All C-III plus updates are installed.
    • Select Home, and then restart the program procedure from the beginning. 

    PROGRAM BLANK ECM (When ECM is not Accessible With C-III plus) 

    NOTE: Use this procedure if the vehicle's old/current ECM cannot be  accessed with CONSULT-III plus.
    IMPORTANT: Before starting the program procedure, make sure:

    • ASIST on the CONSULT PC has been freshly synchronized (updated). 
    • All C-III plus software updates (if any) have been installed. 
    NOTE: The CONSULT PC automatically gets applicable ECM programming data during ASIST synchronization.
    • A screen print for Warranty documentation can be done from the CONSULT PC during this process while still connected to the vehicle.
    • If possible,  take the vehicle for a 10 minute drive in order to meet the following conditions:
      • Engine coolant temperature: 70 - 100°C (158 - 212°F)
      • Battery voltage: More than 12.9V (At idle)
      • Transmission: Warmed up
        NOTE: After programming is complete, you will be required to perform Throttle Valve Closed Position, Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL), Accelerator Closed Position, and DTC erase. The above conditions are required for the IAVL to complete.
    1. Install the new "Blank" ECM now. 
       • Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for ESM replacement information.
    2. Determine the software program part number  that will be used during the programming operation as follows:
       1. Go to your Nissan electronic parts catalog (FAST or equivalent).
          NOTE: FAST sample screens are shown in the next few steps. Other brand electronic catalogs may view and operate differently.
       2. Enter the VIN of the vehicle being repaired.
          • Always  enter the VIN.
       3. Select OK  .
       4. Select SEC  .
       5. Scroll down the list and select Sec-No 226  , Description ENGINE CONTROL MODULE  .
       6. Select the down arrow.
       7. Select OK  .
       8. Click twice on the 23701  number.
          • After clicking twice the number should highlight in red. If another P/N is clicked, the first will change to green. Green or Red  will make the P/N display in the P/N search in the next step.
       9. Select the P/No  (part number) search button.
       10. From the screen show in Figure 5a, write down the ECM software P/N listed for ROM-DATA ID, ID NO FOR PROGRAMMING  .
           • The first five digits of this number are 23701-xxxxx.
             NOTE: The last five digits are specific to the vehicle you are working on (based on the VIN), and are used to select the correct program in C-III plus later in this procedure.
    3. Connect the C-III plus Vehicle Interface (plus VI) to the vehicle.
       • Make sure to use the correct VI for C-III plus (plus VI).
         CAUTION: Make  sure the plus VI is securly connected to the DLC. If the plus VI connection is loose during programming, the process will be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged  .
    4. Connect the AC Adapter to the CONSULT PC. 
       CAUTION: Be sure to connect the AC Adapter. If the CONSULT PC battery voltage drops during programming, the process will be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged  .
    5. Connect a battery charger to the vehicle battery: 
       • Set the battery charger at a low charge rate.
         NOTE: The GR-8 (Battery and Electrical Diagnostic Station) set to "Power Supply" mode is recommended.
         CAUTION: Be sure the battery charger is connected securely to the battery. Make sure the battery voltage stays between 12.0V and 15.5V during  programming. If the battery voltage goes out of this range during programming, the ECM may be damaged  .
    6. Turn off all external Bluetooth(r) devices (e.g., cell phones, printers, etc.) within range of the CONSULT PC and the VI.
       CAUTION: Make sure to turn off all external Bluetooth(r) devices. If Bluetooth(r) signal waves are within range of the CONSULT PC and the plus VI during programming, programming may be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged  .
    7. Turn the ignition ON (engine OFF/Not Ready).
       • The engine must not start or run during the reprogramming procedure. 
    8. Turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads such as exterior lights, interior lights, HVAC, blower, rear defogger, audio, NAVI, seat heater, steering wheel heater, etc.
       IMPORTANT: Make sure to turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads. Make sure the battery voltage stays between 12.0V and 15.5V  during programming. If the battery voltage goes out of this range during programming, the ECM may be damaged  .
    9. Open/start C-III plus.
    10. Wait for the plus VI to be recognized.
        • The serial number will display when the plus VI is recognized.
    11. Select Re/programming, Configuration  .
    12. Use arrows to view and read all  precautions.
    13. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
        NOTE: The box cannot be checked until all precautions in step 12 have been viewed and read.
    14. Select Next. 
    15. Select Nissan, Vehicle Name,  and then the correct Model Year  .
    16. Select Programming.  (Do not select Reprogramming.)
    17. Select After Replace ECU  .
    18. Type in the VIN, and then select Confirm. 
    19. Select the ECM software P/N that matches the last 5 digits  of the P/N written down in step 2j, and then select Next  .
    20. Use arrows to view and read all precautions.
    21. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
    22. Select Next. 
    23. Make sure OK  is highlighted green (battery voltage must be between 12.0 and 15.5 Volts  ).
    24. Select Next. 
        IMPORTANT: Battery voltage must stay between 12.0 and 15.5 Volts  during programming or ECM programming may be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged.
        NOTE: In the next step, the programming process will begin when Start  is selected.
        CAUTION: DO NOT stop programming after selecting Start.  This may damage the ECM. Allow programming to complete.
    25. Select Start. 
    26. Wait for both progress bars to complete.
    27. When the screen in Figure 18a displays, programming is complete.
        NOTE: If the screen in Figure 18a does not  display (programming does not complete), refer to the information on the next page.
    28. Disconnect the GR8/battery charger from the vehicle.
    29. Select Next. 
    30. Go to After Programming has Completed  below.
        NOTE: Additional steps/operations are required before C-III plus will provide the final programming confirmation report. Go to After Programming has Completed  on page 33.

        If programming does not complete and the "!?" symbol displays as shown in Figure 19a: 

        • Check battery voltage (12.0 - 15.5V).
        • The ignition is ON and the engine is OFF.
        • External Bluetooth(r) devices are OFF.
        • All electrical loads are OFF.
        • Select Retry and follow the on screen instructions. 
          NOTE: Retry may not go through on the first attempt. It can be selected more than once.

        If programming does not complete and the "X" symbol displays as shown in Figure 21a: 

        • Do not disconnect the plus VI or shut down C-III plus if reprogramming does not complete. 
        • Check battery voltage (12.0 - 15.5V).
        • The CONSULT A/C adapter is plugged in.
        • The ignition is ON and the engine is OFF.
        • The transmission is in Park.
        • All C-III plus/plus VI cables are securely connected.
        • All C-III plus updates are installed.
        • Select Home, and then restart the program procedure from the beginning. 

    After Programming has Completed 

    After completing ECM programming, the following steps are required before C-III plus will provide the final programming confirmation report:

    1. Follow the C-III plus on-screen instructions to perform the following:
       • Throttle Valve Closed Position 
       • Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL) 
         NOTE:

         • Listed below are common conditions required for IAVL to complete.
         • If IAVL does not complete within a few minutes, a condition may be out of range.
         • Refer to the appropriate Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for specific conditions required for the vehicle you are working on.
           • Engine coolant temperature: 70 -105° C (158 - 221°F)
           • Battery voltage: More than 12.9V (At idle)
           • Selector lever: P or N
           • Electric load switch: OFF (Air conditioner, headlamp, rear window defogger)
           • Steering wheel: Neutral (Straight-ahead position)
           • Vehicle speed: Stopped
           • Transmission: Warmed up
       • Accelerator Pedal Close Position Learning 
       • Erase DTCs 

         Continue to the next page.

    2. Verify the before and after part numbers are different (see Figure 21a).
    3. Print a copy of this screen (Figure 21a) and attach it to the repair order.
    4. Select Confirm  .
       NOTE: If you cannot print the above screen:
       1. Select Screen Capture.
       2. Name the file.
       3. Save the file in My Documents.
          • A copy of the screen is now saved in the CONSULT PC. It can be retrieved and printed at a later time.
    5. Select Home and return to the C-III plus home screen.
    6. Go to Verify VIN is Registered  on the next page.

    Verify VIN is registered 

    1. Select Diagnosis (One System) > ENGINE > Work support > VIN Registration (see Figure 22a).
    2. Select Start.
    3. Check the VIN (see Figure 23a):
       • If the VIN matches the vehicle, the procedure is complete
       • If the VIN is blank or incorrect, continue to the next step.
    4. Enter the vehicle's VIN in both the boxes: VIN(1ST TIME) and VIN (2ND TIME)
    5. Select Start
    6. When VIN registration is compete, COMMAND SUCCEEDED will display (see Figure 24a).
    7. Turn the ignition OFF.
    8. Wait 10 seconds.
    9. Turn the ignition back ON.
    10. Select "READ VIN" and confirm that the VIN is correct.
        NOTE: If the VIN does not display, it can also be checked by selecting the "RE/programming, Configuration" on the Home screen.
    11. Select Home and return to the C-III plus home screen.
    12. Close C-III plus.
    13. Turn the ignition OFF.
    14. 14 Disconnect the plus VI from the vehicle.
    15. Test drive the vehicle to make sure it operates correctly.